Shoring up efforts to stabilize local production of the “Baywatch” series reboot, the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a pilot program allowing the use of drones for permitted filming projects in Venice Beach.
“Los Angeles County is committed to advancing film policy in a way that is safe, responsible, and relevant to the changing needs of the industry,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement after the board’s vote. “As we’ve seen with `Baywatch,’ success depends on how effectively we work together to solve challenges. This drone pilot reflects that commitment — helping productions thrive while protecting our communities and allowing our iconic beaches to shine for viewers across the globe.”
The pilot program will allow the use of drones for permitted film and television projects through July 31. The program will require the use of FAA-certified pilots, approved flight plans, limited operating hours and locations and environmental safeguards.
FilmLA, the local film-permitting office, will administer the program, which will be reviewed after July 31 for possible consideration of a longer-term effort.
The effort is part of various steps taken to support the local “Baywatch” production. On March 29, a post on the Crew Stories Facebook page cited an anonymous crew member who said government restrictions had forced the production out of Venice Beach, according to Variety.
Last week, Horvath and other local officials convened a meeting at Fox Studios with production leaders and agency representatives to discuss the hurdles facing “Baywatch,” including limits on staging, parking and production hours.
“Despite the rumors, `Baywatch’ was never leaving Venice or Los Angeles,” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park said last week. “The city, county and production team are deeply committed to the success of this marquee effort. We are excited to meet the needs of their expanded footprint in Venice and all along the coast.”
The 12-episode “Baywatch” reboot has been positioned as a key example of efforts to bring production back to Los Angeles, receiving a $21 million tax credit from the California Film Commission last fall.
Filming is scheduled to continue through July 16, with additional shoots planned at other beaches across the Los Angeles area.
“Bringing `Baywatch’ back to Los Angeles is not just important — it’s essential to sustaining our local economy and reinforcing our position as the global capital of the entertainment industry,” Horvath said in a statement last week. “While challenges are inherent to any production, what defines success is how quickly and effectively we address them.”
Horvath said the meeting resulted in progress on updating the Coastal Development Permit, improving coordination among agencies and identifying additional steps to support the production in Venice and along Los Angeles County beaches. She added that the effort will also help improve future productions and reflects a shared commitment to the show’s success.
Officials said production will remain based in Venice Beach, with additional Los Angeles County beaches included in the filming schedule as planned.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in bringing this production to life and for the ongoing collaboration,” said Jhamal K. Robinson, head of production for Fremantle, the show’s producer. “Filming continues on Venice Beach and at other locations across Los Angeles County.”
Participants in the meeting included representatives from Fox, Fremantle, FilmLA, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, the Los Angeles County Film Office and county lifeguards.